Giants claim first win of the season

Reuters

Wed, Oct 23, 2013 - Page 20

The New York Giants ended their worst start to a season in almost 40 years with a 23-7 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

Eli Manning avoided throwing an interception for the first time this season and the Giants (1-6) got a spark from recently signed running back Peyton Hillis to ruin Josh Freeman’s debut as the Minnesota quarterback.

New York’s 0-6 start was their worst since losing their opening nine games in 1976.

“We played smart,” Manning told reporters.

“Offensively, not turning the ball over and the defense played outstanding. It’s a start, we’ll go from here,” he said.

Manning threw a 24-yard touchdown to Rueben Randle in the second quarter to give the Giants a 10-3 lead after Minnesota had taken a 7-3 edge in the first quarter when Marcus Sherels delivered an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Hillis, who was acquired last week and thrust into action because of injury concerns among the running backs, scored on a one-yard run that stretched the advantage to 17-7 in the third quarter.

Hillis finished with 36 yards rushing and 45 receiving in his first game of the season.

“I think I did some things to help the team win and there’s a lot of things I didn’t,” Hillis said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement, and I’m just glad that I could be with this organization and get the win tonight.”

Freeman, who was released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and signed by the Vikings (1-5) earlier this month, completed 20 of 53 passes for 190 yards and an interception.

The Vikings fumbled away two punt returns to set up scores for New York.